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A Connecticut man has admitted to operating a cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring while he was in prison,

Meriden resident Westley “Piff” Northrup, 30, has pleaded guilty in Hartford Federal Court to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and crack while he was incarcerated at the Cheshire Correctional Institution.

Northrup’s arrest came following a joint investigation led by the DEA New Haven Task Force that included wiretaps, controlled purchases of crack cocaine, seizures of cocaine and cash. The investigation determined that Northrup was operating the drug trafficking ring while he was in state custody from a previous drug charge. The investigation also included consensually-recorded prison calls.

The investigation found that Northrup conspired with others to purchase cocaine from suppliers, convert some to crack cocaine, and then distribute crack and cocaine through a network of dealers in Connecticut.

Northrup is due to be sentenced on Oct. 24, when he will face life in prison.